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The CPT® Code 87541 refers to a laboratory test designed for the detection of the infectious agent Legionella pneumophila through the use of nucleic acid analysis, specifically targeting DNA or RNA. Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in water sources, which can lead to serious respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, known as Legionnaire’s Disease, or a milder illness resembling influenza, termed Pontiac Fever. This test employs an amplified probe technique, which significantly enhances the sensitivity of the assay by exponentially increasing the quantity of the target nucleic acid sequence associated with L. pneumophila. The process begins with the collection of a respiratory specimen, where the presence of the bacterium is suspected. A direct probe test, referenced as CPT® Code 87540, is utilized to identify the unique nucleic acid sequence of the organism, if it exists within the sample. The probe used in this test is labeled with either fluorescent or chemiluminescent markers, allowing for precise detection. The specimen is treated to release nucleic acids from the target organism, and the labeled probe binds specifically to the matching target sequence, forming a stable hybrid. In the amplified probe technique, the target sequence of L. pneumophila DNA or RNA is multiplied into millions of copies, enhancing the likelihood of detection. Common amplification methods include polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Following amplification, the replicated sequences are identified using labeled DNA probes. Additionally, nucleic acid detection with quantification, as indicated by CPT® Code 87542, allows for an assessment of the quantity of microorganisms present in the sample, often utilizing quantitative or real-time PCR to provide detailed reports on the absolute or relative amounts of the nucleic acid sequence detected.
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The CPT® Code 87541 is indicated for the detection of the infectious agent Legionella pneumophila in respiratory specimens. This test is particularly relevant for patients presenting with symptoms consistent with pneumonia or influenza-like illnesses, where the presence of L. pneumophila is suspected. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:
The procedure for CPT® Code 87541 involves several critical steps to ensure accurate detection of Legionella pneumophila. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing testing with CPT® Code 87541 typically involves monitoring for any adverse reactions related to the specimen collection process. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the results of the test. If L. pneumophila is detected, appropriate treatment options, including antibiotics, may be initiated based on clinical guidelines. Additionally, healthcare providers may consider further diagnostic testing or monitoring, depending on the patient's clinical presentation and response to treatment.
| Short Descr | LEGION PNEUMO DNA AMP PROB | Medium Descr | IADNA LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA AMPLIFIED PROBE TQ | Long Descr | Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid (DNA or RNA); Legionella pneumophila, amplified probe technique | Status Code | Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | CLIA Waived (QW) | No | APC Status Indicator | Conditionally packaged laboratory tests | Type of Service (TOS) | 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 206 - Microscopic examination (bacterial smear, culture, toxicology) |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 90 | Reference (outside) laboratory: when laboratory procedures are performed by a party other than the treating or reporting physician or other qualified health care professional, the procedure may be identified by adding modifier 90 to the usual procedure number. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 95 | Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system. | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SA | Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1998-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1998. |
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